August 30, 2016

To
create Fizzy Fruity Floats for your next gathering, set out a variety of fruit
sodas, like raspberry, orange and grape, and chilled glasses filled with scoops
of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with festive straws.

A
white kitchen is a classic design choice, but it’s open to interpretation. Mix
in a little color, or stick with basic black as an accent. Throw down an exotic
rug. Display your favorite collection. It’s a blank canvas and the artistic vision
is all yours!

August 27, 2016

One
of our neighbors in Hilton Head has the most amazing brick outdoor fireplace. Here’s
a sneak peek just for you! I just love the symmetry and scale of it. It’s
perfect for warming you up on those cool coastal evenings.

Since the front yard is the beach, the fireplace sitting area is located in the expansive side yard of this home! There’s a luscious green lawn and it’s surrounded by more beautiful
brickwork on the home, gates and hardscape. I love the classic Charleston green on all the shutters.

I
really love the lattice work design of the brick. Open design for brick walls is
popular here the south. It really helps with air flow and looks gorgeous!

August 25, 2016

We
just got back from an amazing trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and
Savannah, Georgia. That part of the country is gorgeous and so full of history. I truly love it there, but it’s so nice to be back home! I'll be sharing some of the highlights of
the trip with you in the next few days.

August 24, 2016

My
favorite elements in a beach house are crisp white walls, exposed natural wood
and comfortable casual furniture. Always throw in a few sentimental vintage pieces and keep the palette cool with blues and other ocean hues. Don’t overdo
it with “obvious” beach accessories, and keep everything grounded with natural
textiles and rugs.

August 23, 2016

Now
is the time to enjoy those last tomatoes of the season before fall brings the summer
harvest to an end. Here’s a yummy and elegant way to incorporate those little
summer gems into a delicious treat. Serve them in decorative muffin papers to
really wow your guests!

August 21, 2016

“Together with a
culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it
another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their
families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” --Pope
Francis

August 20, 2016

Here’s
a little inspiration to get you going this weekend. Succulents are super easy
to grow and offer year-round color and beauty. They look great on a kitchen
counter or a dining room table for a fuss-free pop of color. Find a fun pot or
container with drainage, fill with a cactus-mix garden soil, and bunch in your favorite
succulents. My favorite is hen & chicks aka sempervivum. I love the way
they just hug each other and fill the pot, as seen in the first photo. Finish off the look with gravel or pebbles to cover any exposed soil.

August 18, 2016

Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, starting with
the ancient Persians, Greeks, and Romans who added lavender flowers to their
bathwater to clean and purify their skin. Even the word
"lavender" comes from the Latin word "lavare," which means
"to wash". During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, it was scattered all
over stone castle floors in Europe as a natural disinfectant and deodorant. Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help with
insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Not only that but lavender is so easy to grow in
the garden, and you can enjoy its beautiful fragrance outdoors as well. I know
when I spend time among the lavender in my garden it instantly calms me and
provides an amazing experience while doing chores outside.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the scent of lavender at home is this

French Lavender Candle by Love Goodly.

Four ways to easily indulge in the relaxing scent of lavender:

1. L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream

2. Trader Joe's
Lavender Body Oil

3. Heirloom Variety Linen Spray from World Market

4. Trader Joe's Dish Soap

And, why not serve a little lavender at your next gathering?

Lavender Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 cup raw
honey

12 cups
pure water

1 drop
lavender essential oil

6 lemons,
peeled and juiced

lavender
sprigs for garnish

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in a small
pan and heat on low until honey dissolves. Cool it and add more water or honey to taste.

In a saucepan, combine lemon zest, lavender, milk,
and cream. Bring to a boil. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain. Whisk the egg yolks
and sugar together. Whisk 1 cup of the hot cream into the egg mixture. Mix
thoroughly. In a steady stream, slowly add the egg mixture to the hot cream
mixture. Continue to cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the
heat and cool completely. Strain the mixture. Add the mixture to the electric
ice cream maker. Process according to manufacturers' directions.